THE Howlong compost plant saga could take a dramatic twist on Tuesday when the newly elected Federation Council debates the issue for the first time.
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The development to be built on the outskirts of town has been approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel subject to 130 conditions.
But the new council elected on September 9 will be given a chance to vote on a recommendation by general manager Chris Gillard to support the plant.
Cr David Longley has confirmed he won’t be taking part in the vote because he has contributed financially to the Howlong Community Committee which has led the charge against Cleanaway’s plans.
HCC chairman Stuart Sizer hoped council would reject the development outright after being supported by administrator Mike Eden.
“They can now turnaround and say the council doesn’t support the development,” he said.
“The wording of the motion put will be quite important.
“We are going to keep working towards an appeal until we’ve got official notification it is all dead in the water.
“On the information I’ve got a very big majority will vote in favour of the proposal not being supported by the Federation Council.
“But until the hands go up and the vote is completed you can’t be sure.
“The implications for our appeal is vital.”
The HCC is working towards an October 13 deadline to lodge an appeal against the JRPP decision in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Mr Gillard’s report on the council agenda states the council has prepared a draft agreement to lease Cleanaway land within the Howlong tip site for $125,000 per annum.
A heads of agreement was signed in June last year.
The compost plant debate will be preceded by the election for mayor and deputy mayor.
The mayoral race remains a three-way contest with former Corowa mayors Paul Miegel and Fred Longmire and former Urana mayor Pat Bourke in the mix.
A lucky dip maybe required to eliminate one of the contenders.